26/05/2025
Shabbat has ended this Memorial Day Weekend, but it’s still on my mind. First let me take some time to thank those Americans who have defended our country and citizens. I had to stop a minute and think how strange that we as a country can be grateful for what our soldiers do for us, but Israel is held to a different, often distorted standard. Why? We all should ask ourselves that question.
As a person, I might not agree with war as a solution, but I do understand why Israel made the decision to defend themselves. It’s the results that call into question the tactics. Distressingly, there is too much tragedy to go around. All war is horrific and is a barbaric re-action. Someday I hope humans will use ways that move us toward a more positive direction rather than killing and maiming people and expecting their families to want to sit down with you and make Peace.
Once Shabbat ends, Shavua Tov (שָׁבוּעַ טוֹב) means "Good week" in Hebrew which is the common greeting we say next.
Shabbat Shalom is the Jewish expression that we use to wish one another a Peaceful Shabbat. Our day of rest, family and introspection. Until relatively recently, I didn’t realize how smart this tradition is. I’ve meditated for years and understood the benefits of introspection and rest. How it’s an avenue to understand who I truly am. And if I had looked closer within our traditions, this tributary was here all the time.
I’ve always been more of a cultural Jew, than religious. As I get older, I increasingly realize the intelligence of our religion. What took me so long? Oy. Yes, I’m proud to be Jewish and always have been. I’m just more rule averse, I like to have choices and thankfully as Jews, we do.
It isn’t what everyone wants and that’s one of the many things that makes the world great—diversity. Live and let live. Even within our religion, there is room for all types of denominations, Jews choosing to live with varied guidelines and customs, and even races. Surprised? Not everyone is the stereotypical Ashkenazi, white Jew.
But this Shabbat is not filled with Shalom (Peace). Once again, if you’re Jewish, too many put our people in danger. We’re the religion people love to hate. So many libels conceived for bigots to fool themselves, it’s our fault, not their own distortions. Why? The answer isn’t for me to give, but for each person to answer within themselves.
My latest Times of Israel Blog, : I’m Not Surprised, Just Disgusted—How About You?”
pays homage to the two innocent victims, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky (whose father was Jewish, but he was raised Christian), join the huge list of murdered Jews, killed for merely attending a Jewish event, one in which the attendees were following another tenet of our religion, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). May their memories be a blessing.
May You Live in Peace, שלום and سلام
